Minneapolis, MN – The North Central University (NCU) baseball team opened its 2026 season Friday with a non-conference doubleheader against the Lawrence University (LU) Vikings at the U.S. Bank Stadium. In their first live action of the year, North Central split with Lawrence in the two scheduled 7-inning contests. The Rams dropped game one by a 9-1 final before responding with a 9-6 victory in game two to even their record at 1-1 on the year.

Game 1: NCU 1, LU 9

Lawrence broke through in the third inning with a pair of runs and added one in the fifth to build a 3-0 advantage. North Central found its offensive spark in the bottom of the fifth. Freshman outfielder Jack Meckler led off the frame with a double to left field. After moving into scoring position, Meckler came home on a run-scoring single from freshman infielder Anthony Barajas, trimming the deficit to 3-1. Meckler, Barajas, and freshman catcher Aaron Alvarado each recorded hits as the Rams totaled three in game one. Barajas drove in North Central's lone run, while Meckler added a stolen base to apply pressure late. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Darrion Wesley made the start, working 5.0 innings and striking out 4. He was followed by sophomore right-handed pitcher Colten Chastain, graduate returner Cardiff Smith, and sophomore utility player Jayden Mersereau, who combined to finish the contest. Despite battling throughout, the Rams were unable to overcome a late push, falling 9-1 in the opener.

Game 2: NCU 9, LU 6

Game two saw early adversity as Lawrence plated four runs in the first inning. North Central responded quickly in the second. Sophomore infielder Abiram Terron De Jesus reached base with a single, and junior outfielder Jacob Garcia followed with a double down the right-field line. Jack Meckler then ripped an RBI double to score De Jesus and put the Rams on the board, cutting the deficit to 4-1. After trailing 5-1, North Central surged in the fourth inning. Darrion Wesley tripled to left center and later scored on a wild pitch. With the bases loaded, junior utility Nolan Taylor drew a walk to force in a run, and Meckler later crossed the plate to bring the Rams within one at 5-4. The Rams took control in the fifth inning. Senior infielder Juan Rodriguez sparked the rally with a single before a series of disciplined at-bats and pressure on the bases resulted in two runs scoring on an error, giving North Central a 7-6 lead. Insurance came in the sixth, as Wesley delivered again with an RBI double to right, and freshman outfielder Keo Coleman followed with an RBI single to extend the lead to 9-6. Coleman later stole second base to stay aggressive on the base paths. On the mound, freshman right-handed pitcher Ivan Demel provided two strong middle innings with four strikeouts to earn his first collegiate win. Junior reliever Xander Kile closed the door with a scoreless final frame to secure the save. Wesley paced the offense with two hits, including a triple and double, while Meckler and Garcia each contributed extra-base hits in the 9-6 comeback victory.

Top Performers: 

• Jack Meckler (Fr., LF): combined 2-4, 2 RBI, 2 R, 2 2B, SB, BB, 2 HBP
• Darrion Wesley (Fr., P/DH): Game 1: 5.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 SO | Game 2: 2-4, RBI, R, 3B, 2B
• Keo Coleman (Fr., RF): Game 2: 1-1, RBI, R, BB, SB
• Jacob Garcia (Jr., RF): Game 2: 2-2, R, 2 2B

 

Looking Ahead: 

Up next, North Central heads south for its spring break trip as the Rams take on Elms College (MA) in a doubleheader on Sunday, March 8. The 7-inning games will be played at Northeast Regional Park (Field 4) in Davenport, Florida, with first pitch scheduled for 9:00 AM CT. 

All fans are encouraged to tune into the official Rams Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X) pages for updates on baseball and all things NCU Athletics.